Joseph Isangura
Minister for Water, Jumaa Awesso, has directed the Rural Water and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA) to ensure that the Government Electronic Payment Gateway (GePG) does not impede water service delivery across the country.
The minister stressed that while the system was implemented to enhance efficiency, it must not become an obstacle to providing essential services, especially during emergencies.
Speaking during the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the Bwanga water project in Chato district, Minister Awesso highlighted growing concerns from Community-Based Water Supply Organizations (CBWSOs), which have reported delays in accessing funds for urgent repairs and electricity payments. The integration of CBWSOs into the GePG system was aimed at improving the overall management of water resources and facilitating user payments. However, these delays have raised questions about the system’s efficiency in addressing the immediate needs of water service providers.
*”We must strike a balance between managing revenue and maintaining service continuity,” Minister Awesso said. He called upon the ministry’s technical team to revise the system to ensure swift access to emergency funds while maintaining the transparency and control offered by GePG. “The system should not be a barrier to service delivery. We need to simplify it to ensure funds are readily available when needed for maintenance or repairs.”
The Bwanga water project is part of a broader initiative to increase access to safe drinking water in rural areas. As the minister pointed out, communities rely heavily on these services, and disruptions caused by delays in accessing funds could damage public confidence in government efforts to provide clean water.
Read More;Major Clean Energy Conference Announced
In his directive, Minister Awesso emphasized that the efficiency of the payment system is critical to ensuring the smooth operation of water projects nationwide. He further warned that if not addressed, these systemic challenges could undermine the progress made in improving water infrastructure.
*”Our goal is to ensure that citizens continue to benefit from these projects without unnecessary challenges,”* Awesso concluded, urging all stakeholders to collaborate in resolving the issues related to the GePG system.
The Bwanga water project is expected to provide a reliable source of clean water to thousands of residents in the Geita region.
